Italy's drought seen from space

05 September 2017

Despite the welcome showers at the weekend, abnormally low soil-moisture conditions persist in central Italy. Scientists are using satellite data to monitor the drought that has gripped the country.

Wildfires, water scarcity and billions of euros worth of damage to agriculture are just some of the effects of this summer's drought in Italy – not to mention the relentless heat. News of potential water rationing in the capital have even made headlines worldwide.

As local authorities work to mitigate the drought, scientists are turning their eyes to the sky for answers.